Matin approached the two sleepers quietly, seeking to make sure which was
Hal. He examined each closely and then grinned as he stepped back a pace
or two, apparently satisfied.
From the next room there came the sound of footsteps and again Matin
shrank back against the wall. Directly the footsteps moved away and Matin
drew a breath of relief.
From his pocket now he produced a knife, examined it carefully and
grinned again. Looking carefully about to make sure that there was no one
in the room to observe him, he stepped forward.
Had he turned his head at that moment he would have seen a second figure
lowering itself just inside the room. But so intent was Matin upon the
dark deed ahead of him that, after his one observation of the room, he
did not look again.
The second figure was creeping after Matin now. He was not far behind,
but still he was not close enough to touch the first intruder. Matin took
two quick steps forward and raised his arm. Then he bent on one knee.
The arm flashed down!
CHAPTER XII
THE BATTLE OF THIAUMONT FARM
But the knife never reached its mark.
There came a sudden loud report, a flash of flame and the knife clattered
to the floor.
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